Chapter one: Haruka Poppins
Rain was falling down from a grey sky. Thick clouds hide the sun and slowly the day changed into dawn. Nothing was heard but the falling of rain drops and the rushing of the near sea. The surface was covered with foam and the ground couldn't be seen. The sand was wet and looked grey, too.
She walked determined through the puddles that formed in the soft underground. Her red boots almost sunk in the water but she didn't stop. She simply kept walking. Not looking out at the wide ocean. Not looking back to the near bending road she left some hours ago. There was no car at this late hour which would take her to her goal.
She raised her head and some strands of her short blonde hair fell in dark green eyes. Even the red hair slides couldn't held it back any longer. Her face was pale and wet, too. There were some traces of make up but it was washed away slowly.
Hope she's at home.
The woman shivered but she had no umbrella. Her red summer dress could hardly warm her shaking body. It had no sleeves and a wide clipping. Her naked legs trembled but she simply went on.
Hope I'll get the job.
Her icy hands held the newspaper tighter. It was crumbled and the print blurred in the rain. There was a circle of a green pen made around an advertisement.
The rain even increased and the curtain before her eyes became thicker. She blinked and took a deep breathe. The rushes of the sea filled her whole world while she took one step after another. Telling herself that this was her last chance. If she didn't get the job, she wouldn't have a place to stay for the next night.
I spent my whole money for that bloody ticket!
She swallowed hard and corrected the rucksack she was wearing over her right shoulder. It was very light. She didn't own much things. Only a book, a teddy bear and some normal clothes. But she didn't want to change. The rain couldn't last the whole night and if she wouldn't get the job she surely would need the dry clothes afterwards. More than now.
It's such a long time ago that I saw the sea for the last time.
For some seconds the dark green eyes looked over to the wild ocean, then she lowered her head again. She shivered again as cold rain ran down her back. The dress was now really wet and couldn't suck any water any more. Her feet were heavier with every step but she forced herself to finish her long journey.
I am crazy!
She shook her head and other strands of blonde hairs fell in her pale face. Slowly she raised her clock and saw that it was broken.
Maybe too much water.
Since she arrived in her ancestor's Country it rained. Although they all said that it was a warm land she froze like hell. In the Country she grew up it was always warm - even in spring. But at the moment nothing remembered her of the nice season. The trees were still naked. Their branches reached for the sky and they looked like ghosts. There was hardly a summer bird around and she missed the sun. At the moment she wondered if the winter hasn't just begun. But then she remembered that it was already March and that this was the traditional spring month.
It took another half hour until she could see the house she was looking for. She heard two cars flying by but she knew that she wasn't fast enough to get to the street in time. So she continued her walk until she saw the light house by the sea. It was huge, almost looked like a castle. It stood on a hill near the bending road. From a huge terrace you could oversee the sea and the young woman asked herself if it was great to watch the sun raise and set.
Maybe I am crazy. But if I wasn't I would be surely dead.
She sighed oppressed as she stepped nearer to the house. The part of roof showing the sea side consisted of glass and there were huge windows. Trees were planted around the house and through another window the young woman could see the sparkling of water. Of a swimming pool.
She must be very rich.
The young woman stepped closer and climbed over the steps that would lead her from the sea side to the front side. To the main portal. She gasped hard for breathe. Normally she wasn't as easily exhausted as she was now. But she didn't sleep during the past day and she couldn't remember the last time she ate a proper meal.
Hope she wants me.
She took a deep breathe and looked up to the huge main portal. There was no bell. Only a door knocker. It took her some seconds until she raised her trembling, icy hand.
If she doesn't want me I don't know where I shall go...
At that moment the door was pushed open.
"That's the biggest brazenness I ever heard in my whole life!" screamed a woman and made it's way out of the door. She was about forty years old and very thick. She wore a wide dress and hold an umbrella in her arms. "I don't want to be your slave any longer, Kaioh-san! I go!" She didn't care about the young woman standing right in front of the door. She simply pushed her aside and hit her with her umbrella as she fell down. There was a small sound she made but she didn't defend herself. A newspaper landed in the dirt but the older woman simply stepped over it, climbed in her car and drove away.
"What..." The young woman raised protectively her arms but couldn't help being splashed as the car drove through a puddle. "Bitch!" she whispered and got to her feet again. Her back hurt and she knew that her dry clothes were now wet, too. Her rucksack was heavier now. And certainly dirtier.
NO!
She jumped towards the still open door but it was closed when she reached it.
"Why am I always the lucky one?" she whispered and knocked again at the wood. But no one answered. No one opened the door. No one let her in.
"Damned..." she turned around and leaned against the wood. Tears sparkled in her dark green eyes and her body trembled even more. She crossed her arms before her chest and lowered her head.
Where shall I go now?
It was a long way back into the city. About ten miles. And it was already dawn. In about an hour it would be dark and the sky didn't look as if the weather would change this night.
Her stomach groaned and remembered her that she was hungry. But she had nothing she could eat. Nor did she have the money to buy herself anything.
I didn't think it over. All I wanted to have was freedom.
She shook her head and shivered as her wet hairs flew through the air, wetted her neck.
And now I am free. But I am not happy...
At that moment a child's scream interrupted the peace. The young woman raised her head and frowned. But the desperate screams didn't stop. Automatically she took a deep breathe, held her rucksack tighter and followed the sad voice. Around the corner was another, a smaller door. It consisted of glass. And it wasn't closed. The young woman hesitated for some seconds but the desperate screaming convinced her that she couldn't stay outside in the rain. That she had to help.
She tried to clean her boots on the threshold, then she stepped in. It was a huge kitchen. It contained of more electrical apparatuses she had ever seen in her whole life. In the middle stood a round table with many chairs. In the corner under a huge window stood a couch. It looked very soft and the young woman scolded herself.
I don't have the right to lay down and sleep.
She oppressed a yawn as she walked over to the living-room. The two rooms where only separated by a curtain of pearls. It jingled as she pushed it aside and stepped slowly over the thick carpet under her feet. There was a chimney on the one side, in the middle a big couch, some armchairs and a table and a TV set on the other side. And there was a cradle standing beside the couch. It's curtains were covered with swimming fishes and the blanket was a dark blue one.
The screaming even increased and the young woman saw the tiny toy dog laying on the ground. Automatically she reached for it and laid it back into the cradle. Immediately the screaming stopped. Two dark eyes looked back at her for some seconds. As if the baby considered who was standing in front of it. Then a happy smile appeared on the tiny face which was surrounded by fluffy, black hairs. It laughed cheerfully while it took the toy in her tiny arms and hold it tight.
"That's better, isn't it, small princess?" asked the young woman with a low voice and leaned over the cradle to touch the baby. To stroke it. To take care for it.
To love it...
She frowned but couldn't define where that thought came from.
"Who are you!"
She winced back as she heard the strict, loud voice. Slowly she raised her head and looked into determined blue eyes. A young woman stood in the door frame. She wore a blue bathrobe over her long white sleeping dress. Her long sea green hairs were messed and she looked very tired. Her cheeks were red and as the young woman looked closer she knew that the other one had fever. Maybe a simple cold, maybe a dangerous flu.
"Step back from my daughter!"
The young woman stepped over and stood some seconds later between her daughter and the intruder. She was about half a head smaller but the other one suddenly knew that she wasn't weaker.
"Who are you! Talk to me or shall I call the police!"
"No..." The young woman bowed and stretched her arm towards the smaller one. "Konnichi wa. I am Tenô Haruka and I read your advertisement in the newspaper. I hope the job is still..." Her voice got quieter and quieter and died finally away as she saw how the other woman observed her sceptically from her boots up to her hairs and down.
"Where are you coming from, Tenô-san? From a whore house!"
Michiru clenched her fists and shook her head. She would never ever let this strange woman closer at her daughter. At her Himme-chan.
Maybe she's a pervert!
Critically she looked at the wet, narrow dress the taller one was wearing.
Hell, doesn't she wear a bra? I can see her breasts right through! And that terrible dress! You can almost see her ass under it!
She shook her head and bit her lips together.
Maybe I need a nursemaid, but I am not THAT desperately.
The other one clenched her hand unsure and raised her head again. Michiru could see the traces of makeup on a still wet face. Then she saw into dark green eyes. Sad shinning eyes.
No! No sympathy! You're giving concerts for people like her! You don't have to take them into your house. Hell, she doesn't look as if she was able to cook or even to change nappies!
Haruka swallowed hard as she saw the disgusting look in deep blue eyes.
"Gomen, but it was raining outside and..." she blushed as she looked down at her body. Trembling and freezing body. She didn't change when she left the airport.
I hate this dress but I had to wear it. Otherwise I would have never been able to leave America. 'Cause they're looking for a tomboy. Not for a...
She swallowed again as she saw how the smaller woman stepped closer to the cradle and bit on her lips.
... for a whore.
"Your late nursemaid left some minutes ago, am I right? So you need a new one. You don't look very healthy to me, Kaioh-san, and the little one needs someone who takes care for him."
"It's a girl!" snapped Michiru and spreat her arms before the cradle. "And I am able to take care for her on my own! I don't need super clever women going around, yelling at me and telling me how I should raise my daughter properly! Gomen that you came all the long way, but I don't need any of you silly nursemaids anymore! The advertisement shouldn't be in the newspaper any longer." She sighed deeply and coughed. Her deep blue eyes shone feverish. "Guess that's Setsuna's fault. She's simply too concerned about me." She stepped over to the taller woman and shook her head.
"You can go now. I don't need your help. I don't need any nursemaid at all! I'll take my daughter to my rehearsals and to my concerts and somehow it will be okay. I don't need any interference any longer!"
Haruka took a deep breathe and clenched automatically her fists.
That means that I shall go out in the rain again. In a cold, endless night.
She blushed deeply as her stomach tried to tell her again how hungry she was.
"I see." The taller woman whispered. Then she took her rucksack again in her hands. "Then the advertisement was a mistake."
"Hai." Answered Michiru and made a face as she saw the rucksack covered with mug. As she saw the brown puddle that slowly evolved on her white carpet. "And now get out! I don't need any petitioner in my house!" She coughed again and cursed herself as the world started to spin around again.
"I never begged for anything. I'd work hard for it!" declared Haruka angry and turned around.
"Ha, work! Don't tell me that you're able to cook! Don't tell me that you know how to handle a small child! What the hell did you in such a dress the last time of your life?" Michiru coughed again and hold her icy hands towards her burning face. She trembled and wanted to sit down on the couch to have some minutes rest.
Then I am fine again.
But she knew she couldn't lie to herself any longer.
"Is that all you do? Judge me by my appearance!" Haruka opened the door and wanted to go into the stormy night again as she heard a small sigh behind her. She turned around and could see how the taller woman tried to sit down but couldn't reach the couch any more. She reeled and went on her knees beside it. Hard she coughed and wrapped her arms around her chest. Her hairs fell over her shoulder and tears rolled over blushed cheeks. Haruka put the rucksack on the table after she closed the door. At the next moment she was beside the ill woman.
"No..." whispered Michiru and coughed again. She felt so weak, so tired. "But I simply don't want Himme-chan to get hurt..."
"And your husband?" asked Haruka and touched the hot forehead. She didn't care about her dirty hands any longer. Nor did the smaller woman.
"I am not married." Whispered Michiru and coughed again. Suddenly she was feeling very, very ill. Her stomach rebelled and she choked.
The roll had been too much for dinner.
But at that time she had felt a little bit better and tried to tell herself that she didn't need a doctor.
Today's Setsuna's long day at work and the rest have to learn for the complicate math test they're going to write next week...
She sobbed and felt how two arms took her carefully. She was lifted in the air but didn't defend herself. Tired she leaned her head against a wet clothes. But she didn't care about it. The cloth was so nice cold in her burning face.
"And her father?" she heard somewhere the other woman's voice and felt that she carried her out of the living room. Her daughter slept deep and tight in her cradle and there was no danger for her at the moment.
I never thought that she's so strong. She looked so slim.
"He's dead." Coughed Michiru and choked again. "Like her real mother..." Tears were running down her cheeks again.
Why did I tell her? That's not her business!
But she was too weak to think about it any longer. Her stomach rebelled and her whole body hurt even more.
"Where's your bathroom?"
Haruka looked concerned down at a pale face that almost looked green. Sweat covered the forehead and she felt how the smaller woman in her arms trembled a lot.
"Over there." She pointed weakly to the staircase and to a door above. Haruka hurried up. She opened the door and didn't take much attention of the beautiful sleeping room. About the huge windows facing the sea. Of the ceiling made of glass facing the stars. Of the wide bed standing in the middle. On a soft blanket. Surrounded by white curtains. Haruka crossed it quickly and entered the bathroom. She didn't see the shower nor the big tube that looked more like a whirl pool. Haruka let the smaller woman down before the toilette and opened the lid. Michiru leaned over it and choked but her stomach didn't obey her. So she sobbed and the roundabout she seemed to sit in speeded up.
"I can't..." she whispered and choked again. Her whole stomach ached and she felt as if she was going to die.
No, I mustn't die! Himme-chan needs me!
"Sure you can." Said Haruka and embraced her from behind. She felt how the smaller girl froze and knew that she would have defend herself if she had felt any better.
"Trust me." She whispered with a serious voice and put her hands on the other one's slim belly. "I'll never hurt you." Haruka didn't know why she said those words. She hardly made any promises because she hold them - with all consequences. But suddenly she knew that she would never hurt the trembling young woman in her arms. She took a deep breathe then she pushed her hands against the slim belly. The smaller woman made a shocked noise. Then she choked and finally threw up the few things she ate over the day. Haruka held her to make sure that she wouldn't hurt herself by falling against the marble. It took some minutes before Michiru was finished. Then she leaned against the taller woman, again feeling the wet clothes, the freezing body against her sweating one.
"Let's bring you to bed." Declared Haruka determined and helped her on her feet. "And then let's call the doctor. And I don't wanna hear any protests!" She helped the smaller woman carefully out of her bathrobe and into the bed. Michiru sighed as she felt the soft mattress under her hurting back, the warm blankets over her trembling body.
"Ha...?" she asked and frowned as the other one switched on a small light next to the bed.
As if I was afraid of the dark...
She coughed again and knew that she was grateful for that small gesture. Normally she wasn't afraid of the dark. She had seen too may of it in her life, during all those battles that she knew how defend herself. But normally she didn't have so high fever.
"Haruka." Helped her the young woman and gave her a thermometer. She took it in her mouth and bit automatically on it.
"Before the doc's coming, would you please change your clothes? And Hotaru needs to get in her baby bed. It's the room over there..." Michiru coughed again and felt so weak she hadn't for over half a year now.
The last time I've been so helpless hat been the final battle against Mistress 9.
"If you don't have any clothes, I've got plenty of them..."
Haruka nodded thoughtfully and bit on her lower lip. Then she stepped to the bed again and stroke carefully some sweaty strands out of a feverish blushed face.
"Do you want something to drink?" she asked and hoped that the doctor would hurry up in such a stormy night like this one. The smaller woman felt too hot.
"Hai. Arigato, Haruka."
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"You've got really high fever, Kaioh-san!" The doctor looked critically at the thermometer and then at his patient. "You were already ill last week, weren't you! How many concerts did you give during the past weekend?"
"Three." Her voice was very quiet. She turned her head and faced Haruka who sat on the other side of the bed. She had washed her face and wore now one of her deep blue tracksuits. Her hairs were still messed and the hair slips looked strange but Michiru was very glad to have her by her side.
"Three concerts in two days? Are you crazy, Kaioh-san!" The doctor took a deep breathe. He knew that he shouldn't yell at his patient. Especially when they were as ill as the young violinist. "I've always told you that you should take care of yourself. After your big accident half a year ago you shouldn't..." he sighed deeply and looked into his bag. "At least you should think of your daughter, Kaioh-san. She needs you. What should she do when you lay in hospital or when you're even dead because your fever had been too high?" he asked and now his voice wasn't angry any longer. Now it was simply concerned.
"I know, doc. But those concerts are very important and..." whispered Michiru and again tears were running down her cheeks.
No, I'll never leave Himme-chan! Never!
"You're more important to your child than all the money you earns for your concerts. Even if they're beneficial concerts, the children in need need you, not a dead idol!" He took an injection out of his bag and Haruka automatically made a face. She hated medicine and she hated injections.
Guess I had too many the last year...
"Normally I would call the ambulance and let them bring you into the next hospital." The doctor looked over to the young woman sitting next to the bed. She didn't look up as she took a smaller feverish hand in her own one. Carefully she stroke over the sweaty skin. Carefully and calming.
"But I see that there's someone here to take care for you. So you'll get an injection - don't make such a face, Kaioh-san! It's your own fault! And I'll give you medicine you have to take regularly! I said regularly. Not like the last time you wasted over the half of it and now we see where it all ends!"
"She will take it as you say." Answered Haruka and smiled comforting at the young woman who looked with big blue eyes at the injection.
She didn't even say that I could stay!
Haruka stroke again over the hot skin and knew that she wouldn't go. Even if the ill woman would kick her out.
"Okay." The doctor filled the injection and Haruka saw how the smaller woman swallowed hard.
"Himme-chan lies in her bed. She sleeps deep and tight and she looks really cute with her toy in her tiny arms..." she said and Michiru looked from the injection into her pale face. She whimpered but before she could react the pain was gone and the doctor was done with his torture.
"Her real name is Hotaru. Kaioh Tomoe Hotaru. Himme-chan is simply my nickname for her." Answered Michiru and yawned. The medicine did a quick job.
"Little glow-worm. A really nice name."
Michiru opened her feverish eyes for the last time and squeezed the hand holding her own one weakly.
"Please... could you stay..."
Haruka nodded and corrected the blanket.
"If there's anything, just call for me." She whispered and stroke thoughtfully over red cheeks. "I'll be there."
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"If she's getting worse, call me. I'll be there in less then ten minutes." Said the doctor as Haruka walked with him over to his car. It was still raining outside but now she wasn't concerned about it any longer. Now that she found a place she was needed.
"Of course. Arigato, doctor."
The old man shook her hand and some minutes later he left the drive and his red lights disappeared behind the next bend in the night.
Haruka shivered as she stepped back into the house. The entrance hall was huge and there were drawings all over the walls. Drawings of dolphins, the wide sea. The endless horizon. Of stars and green meadows. Of shadowy forests.
Did she draw them? Or did she buy them?
Haruka wasn't sure. The whole house looked as if the young woman had a lot of money. Slowly she walked upstairs and opened carefully the door. The little girl was still sleeping in her child's bed. Deep and tight. Haruka sneaked into the room, corrected the blanket and picked up the toy from the ground.
"Sleep, princess." She whispered and went quietly back into the sleeping room. There she sat down on a chair and waited.
"Haruka?" the tired voice ripped her out of her dreamless sleep. It took her some seconds to recall herself where she was. She leaned forward on the chair and winced as her back started to hurt. "Are you still there?" Now the voice was almost frightened.
"Of course." She leaned forward and Michiru could see her in the small light that was still burning. That wouldn't be switched off for the rest of the night.
"I am thirsty." Michiru coughed and tried to move. But she was too weak for.
Normally I would have been all alone - without calling the doctor...
She shivered and watched how Haruka went over to the table and came back with a cup in her hands.
"It's only water. Juice would hurt your throat." She said and helped her to sit. Slowly she lifted the cup and let her drink. Some of the water ran down her chin and her throat and Haruka wiped it away carefully.
"Better?" she asked and Michiru nodded slightly.
Without her I would have died tonight...
She knew that she would have survived everything, but at that moment she felt so weak, so ill that she was very grateful that this strange woman was around.
I have to apologise myself...
Michiru coughed again but before she could say anything more to the taller one she already settled back into sleep. Haruka put the cup back on the table and sat back on the chair. Her back hurt but she didn't think about it.
I won't go away, Michiru.
She leaned forward and corrected the blanket. Thoughtful she stroke through long sea green hair.
She looks like someone who needs a lot of care. And love.
Haruka made herself comfortable in her chair and sighed deeply.
Just like me...
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Little Hotaru made a face as if she would start crying the next minute. She laid naked on her baby's changing unit. A shadow hurried exited through the light bathroom and several cupboard doors clapped.
"Hush, small princess. We don't wanna wake up your mommy, do we?"
Little Hotaru raised her head and her dark eyes looked thoughtful up into loving green ones. Into a laughing face that was surrounded by still wet hairs.
"Don't worry, I'll change your clothes until you could babble anything. And then we'll see for some nice mash for you." Declared Haruka and fought desperate with the nappy's package. It seemed to take eternity until she was able to open it and to enfold the soft material. Carefully she lifted the small baby and placed it under her. Then she rose one eyebrow and wondered how it should fit. And how she should dress the little girl afterwards in her blue pyjama. It all didn't seem to fit at all and seemed to be too big for the little baby.
"Guess you'll have to help me now, small princess. I never cared for a baby before." Said Haruka and sighed deeply.
But you want this job, don't you?
She closed the nappy but it opened again while Hotaru looked at her with her big dark eyes. Just like other eyes who had looked at her with the same expression just a few hours ago. Deep blue eyes.
Guess she thinks I am really crazy.
The small girl grabbed for her own feet and tried to put it into her mouth. Haruka' eyes grew wide then she burst out into laughter. Hotaru joined it automatically and stretched her tiny arms towards the young woman. Who appeared so suddenly in her tiny life. Whom she trusted unconditionally.
"We have to do our best." whispered the young woman and leaned over to the small girl who touched red cheeks with tiny hands. Haruka automatically bowed and kissed the tiny forehead. Fluffy dark hairs tickled in her nose and Haruka laid her arms on the unit around the small girl. She could feel the small, warm body next to her own one while she rubbed her nose softly against the tiny one. Baby Hotaru squeaked of joy and tiny hands pulled at blonde strands.
She's so weak but yet so strong...
Haruka blinked. Slowly she leaned back and smiled automatically.
I can't remember the last time I felt so free. So needed. So happy...
Then she worked again on the nappy until it was closed. Hotaru didn't protest as it took her three tries until the little girl was in her pyjama. She didn't cry as Haruka confused her tiny shoes. All she did was laughing and babbling. And looking very happy.
"Now it's time for breakfast. Hope your mommy has a microwave oven." Haruka reached for Hotaru and took her carefully in her strong arms. Then she left the bathroom next to the child's room. Every room seemed to have it's on bathroom and the young woman wondered how rich Kaioh Michiru really was.
"Hope I won't burn your mash, small princess." She declared while they walked quietly through the long corridor and down a huge staircase. It was already dawn and bright light filled a entrance hall that seemed to consist of nothing than glass and light marble. The huge pictures looked even prettier in the new born sunlight than they had looked the last night. Michiru was still sleeping in her bed. After Haruka made sure that the ill young woman didn't need her, she silently left the bedroom. She didn't want to wake her up.
"You really got a nice home, Himme-chan."
Hotaru felt safe in secure in those warm arms. The voice was so calming and full of love. Here was no danger, no fear. She yawned and a smile laid on her tiny face.
Hell, she's so cute!
Haruka swallowed hard. All her life she hated children. They were so loud. So cheeky. So hurting to each other.
But she's different. She's something special.
"You have to help me, small princess. So that I'll be a perfect nursemaid to you."
Hotaru leaned her head against Haruka's chest and laughed happily. It looked as if she was nodding. Her big dark eyes looked trustfully up at the tall young woman. Trustfully and understanding.
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It was still raining when she awoke. She could hear the rushes of the near sea and the rain drops falling against her window pain. Against the glass above that formed the ceiling. Normally she needed a lot of light. Sunlight to see her colours perfectly. To draw her huge drawings.
But today she groaned and closed her burning eyes again. Her whole body ached and she asked herself if some dwarfs found gold in her head and fostered it now. There was still a nausea in her stomach. But this time it was different. This time she was simply hungry.
How late it is?
She turned her head and forced herself to open her eyes again. She blinked. The sky was grey and it looked as if the night would win over the day.
Almost noon.
The young woman frowned and tried to remember how she got into bed. There had been the doctor and an injection. And bitter medicine. And a never ending nightmare.
I was so cold...
She coughed and sat up. Slowly she pulled the now warm blankets aside and looked surprised down at her shoes. Normally they were distributed all over her room like her clothes. But this morning they stood neat beside her bed.
I threw up my dinner and had high fever.
Still she heard the doctor's warning words in her mind. That he wanted to take her into hospital. But then he was convinced that she could stay - because there was someone who took care of her.
Someone cared for me?
Again she frowned. It was a strange idea. She had very good friends who were really concerned about her and her wealth - especially since that day over half a year ago. But the girls still went to school each day and had a lot to learn to pass their exams. Mamoru spend a lot of time at University and Setsuna got a full time job.
Even if they had enough time, they can't help me with my problem.
Michiru sighed deeply.
They can't find the one for me.
Then her blue eyes focused on the chair that stood between the bed and the huge window. Normally it stood next to the table and wasn't used much. Today the thin blanket which protected the velvet underneath against dirt and dust looked crumbled.
Michiru shook her head and regretted this motion immediately. Suddenly she had the picture of a young woman in her mind. Of a young woman who was wet all over. Who wore a strange red dress and carried a dirty rucksack.
She helped me into bed. She called the doctor.
At the next moment Michiru left her bed and stumbled quickly over to the next room.
She touched my daughter...
Michiru's blue eyes watered as she saw the small bed. It was empty. There was no sign of the small child. The blankets were corrected as if no one slept in it the whole night. The favourite toy laid on the pillow.
No...
The young woman spun around not caring about her own illness anymore. She stumbled over to the staircase and almost fell down as she missed the last step. She landed hard on her knees but she didn't care about it.
Himme-chan...
She would never forgive herself if something happened to the future Sailor Saturn. To her little darling. To her daughter.
You didn't know that strange woman! What will you do if she took Hotaru away and wants now your money? You're rich. Everyone can see it.
Michiru swallowed hard. She would pay every price to see her daughter happy. She didn't care about the ransom. But she cared much about the small girl. How the strange woman would treat her.
If she does her any harm I'll kill her!
"Himme-chan!"
She opened the living-room's door and stumbled over her handbag she forgot the last evening. She screamed shocked and could hold herself back from crashing into the table.
Two green and two dark eyes looked surprised up. Then little Hotaru concentrated on her bottle again and drank greedy her milk. She was used to her mother and her strange behaviour sometimes.
"Nani?"
The two women stared at each other. Silence evolved between them and nothing could be heard than the rushes of the waves mixed with rain. And the munches of a clean, happy girl.
"You're still here." Whispered Michiru and sighed relieved. Then she reeled over to the armchair and sat down with another sigh.
"'Course..." Haruka held the bottle higher so that Hotaru could drink properly and swallowed hard.
Will she fire me now?
The young woman didn't know what to say. She looked over to the other one who took her still redden face in her surely ice cold hands. Her blue eyes still shimmered feverish and Haruka was sure that her illness wasn't over yet. The doctor was right. The young woman would at least need another week to recover completely.
I am not even employed...
"Your medicine is on the kitchen's table. You should take it, another four hours are over."
Michiru raised her head again as she heard the soft voice. Silently she nodded and could slightly remember how this soft voice woke her up several times this night. Each time she had to take bitter medicine that didn't taste at all. She didn't want to take it but that nice voice told her that it was better. That she should think of her daughter and that she wanted her to recover quickly. It convinced her and accompanied her until she slept again.
Michiru coughed and observed the young woman sitting opposite. Now she wore narrow blue jeans and a white black shirt. Her collar wasn't closed and she saw a silver necklace sparkling. But it was the only jewellery the other one wore. There was no trace of any make up anymore. Nor were hair slides in blonde strands anymore. The hair looked shorter than yesterday.
Did she cut it? Or was it simply wet?
Michiru frowned as the next thought simply flashed her mind.
Now she doesn't look like a woman anymore. Now she looks more like a man. A tomboy...
"How are you feeling today, Kaioh-san?"
Michiru laughed a little, shaky laugh.
"Does anyone has the number of the track that ran over me?" she asked and stroke some strands of her long blue hairs behind her ears. She was sure that she didn't look like a shining model this morning. Her hairs were surely a mess and the night dress was crumbled. Her feet were naked and suddenly she started to freeze again.
"No, I am feeling better, now, Haruka." Michiru oppressed a yawn.
I slept over twelve hours this night! I can't be tired!
"And I see that you changed your clothes. Very good decision."
"Oh, and I thought the red dress fitted perfectly." Haruka made an innocent face that made Michiru giggle.
"Guess, it wasn't the right fashion." Again she coughed. "Arigato for calling the doctor, Haruka."
"That was naturally, Kaioh-san." Haruka put the bottle away as Hotaru finished. The little girl looked around and stretched her arms towards her mother. Michiru got very slowly on her feet and took her daughter in her arms. Suddenly Haruka felt strange alone.
"Do you still want the job?" asked the sea beauty and looked directly into dark green eyes.
"Hai."
"Will you ever hurt her?" Michiru hold her daughter to her shoulder and the little girl did her burp. Then she yawned and settled slowly into sleep again. Her mother walked over to the cradle next to the couch and laid her carefully down.
"Never." Answered Haruka without thinking. She swallowed hard as the other woman covered the small body with a soft blanket and stroke over soft cheeks. Then deep blue eyes observed her silently for another long while.
She looks as if she says the truth.
I hurt so many people in my life. But I will never hurt her.
Can I trust her?
"Okay." Michiru took a deep breathe and sat down next to Haruka on the couch. She reached for her handbag and searched for anything in it. After another long while she found it and handled the other one a cheque card.
"Are you able to cook?"
Haruka swallowed hard, looked at the plastic in her suddenly shaking hands.
"What... what do you like to eat?" she asked instead and bowed automatically a little bit.
"Whale, horse, deer, kangaroo, elephant and snake." Teased Michiru and giggled as Haruka's eyes grew wider with every animal she noticed.
How shall I cook that?
Haruka frowned and saw herself standing on the road again. She couldn't full fill those wishes of the rich lady sitting in front of her. Hai, she had been able to cook coffee with the coffee machine. To toast bread with the toaster and to heat up Hotaru's milk with the microwave oven. But when she had to use the cooker everything was too late.
Hope she doesn't take a look in Hotaru's bathroom before I didn't tidy it up.
The taller woman swallowed hard and remembered her last try of preparing a proper meal. She ruined several panes and the cooker almost exploded.
I am able to burn water.
But Haruka knew that Michiru didn't want to hear that. So she kept silent, until she heard the oppressed giggle. A happy giggle.
"You should see your face." She gasped and now laughed loudly. "No, Haruka, you don't have to be a brilliant cook. Just enough for noodles, mash and salad. I am often in a hurry and so you normally have to feed yourself and Himme-chan."
Haruka blinked then a relieved expression appeared on her face. She couldn't held back a smile.
"Good, salad sounds fine." She declared and Michiru giggled even more. Then she became serious again.
"I need a good nursemaid, Haruka. The house doesn't have to shimmer in the dark after you cleaned it and I don't need a five star menu every evening. I need someone who's here for my Himme-chan. Who cares for her while I am at a concert or while I am on tour. I need someone I can trust perfectly, Haruka. I don't want to interrupt my tour just for coming home and finding my nursemaid drunken on the couch and my daughter dirty and hungry in her cradle upstairs!" Michiru took a deep breathe and suddenly tears shimmered in her still feverish shinning eyes.
"I would never..."
"My second nursemaid was that way. She drunk and didn't care about Hotaru the way she should. Lucky that I got a strange feeling and returned two days after I went on tour. After that incident I took Himme-chan with me, but it's not possible to care for a child between concerts, interviews and tests." Interrupted Michiru Haruka's protest. "I had all types of nursemaids during the past five months. One remembered me of my grandmother: Nice, friendly, helpful. Until I found out that she beat her small son at home. She had to go one hour later. Who could guarantee that she wouldn't beat my Himme-chan, too?" Michiru took a deep breathe and covered her face again with her icy hands. "You're my last try. If you fail I'll have to give up my career as a violinist. Hotaru is more important than my silly music."
But Haruka felt that the music wasn't so silly. That it was important for the young woman, too. A lot of CDs that laid around in the whole house and an instrument placed very carefully on it's instrument case told her that the other one was a musician by heart. She needed her music. Without her she would be lost. If she wasn't able to play anymore something of her would die - and never awake again.
"My friends are still at work, they can't take care for her for more than a weekend. I can't blame them..." Michiru took a deep breathe, then she looked again into Haruka's pale face. "But before you say hai, you must know that I can be a very loud person. I have a very wild temper and I am the messiest person one ever can met. And I am very stubborn."
Haruka smiled slightly as she heard a description of herself in the other quiet words.
"When I draw my drawings I forget time and place and... well, some people call me a silly, rich brat."
So the pictures were made by her. They are so beautiful
Haruka nodded automatically.
But she doesn't look like a silly, rich brat.
"You'll get enough money for this job but I guess it's not enough to live with me. So if you want to leave, you can go. But today I would be very grateful if you'd stay." Michiru coughed again and shivered.
Haruka's smile vanished and thoughtful she looked at the freezing young woman.
Where shall I go? There's no place left...
"Don't worry, I'll stay, Kaioh-san." She whispered and played with the card in her hands. "What will you do if I steal your money?"
Michiru laughed a thin, shaky voice.
"Why should you do that? You had a whole night time to move out my whole house. The drawings are very valuable, I have a seldom instrument, a Stradivarius, and, well, even the carpets are genuine. You had your chance but you didn't use it." Michiru sighed deeply. "You didn't run away with my daughter and you won't blackmail me with her health. After all, there's enough money on the account to buy baby clothes, food and what else is need in this house. But you wouldn't even be able pay a ticked to Hawaii with it." The young violinist coughed again and wrapped her arms around her freezing body. The night dress was still too thin for the cold spring nights. Especially when it didn't stop raining. "But you wouldn't, would you, Haruka?"
"No, I wouldn't, Kaioh-san." Haruka rose from the couch, took the blanket she sat on and covered the freezing young woman with it. "Don't worry, I'll never hurt your child, Kaioh-san." She declared soft and stroke a sea green strand out of a sweaty face.
"If you'll ever do, I'll kill you."
Haruka knew that it wasn't an empty threat. Then Michiru's face brightened up and she took a deep breathe. "Hm, does I smell coffee?" she asked and smiled as Haruka went over to the kitchen.
"Don't you think that you should take your medicine and some tea instead?" asked the young woman and fetched up the small bottle.
At least I can hot the water up in the microwave oven. So it can't get burned. Can it?
"Oh, don't you play doctor! Coffee is the only real medicine in the morning." Michiru rolled her eyes and leaned against the soft couch. She yawned and hold her belly as it protested.
"And bring me some rolls if you're in the kitchen. I guess I am dying of hunger!" she shouted over and stretched her legs on the soft underground. Suddenly she felt happy.
I can't remember the last time I felt so safe and secure.
A blonde head appeared in the frame.
"I guess rusk is better for your stomach, Kaioh-san. Rusk, camomile tea and your medicine." A tomboy grin appeared on the other one's face as Michiru groaned tortured.
"This is going to be a very, very long diet." She muffled and closed her eyes.
"Okay, I am too good for this world. Just tell me when I should hold you again when you're praying to your porcelain god." Whispered Haruka with a smile on her voice and Michiru opened her eyes and clapped in her hands as she saw the rolls which where covered with jam. She took on into her icy hands and recognized that it was still warm.
"Gomen, that I was so mean to you, yesterday." She declared after she ate the first roll with great appetite and reached for another one. "But I fired my last nursemaid yesterday. She was angry with Hotaru because Himme-chan didn't want to eat her mash. It was spinach and she thought..." Michiru giggled as she saw Haruka making a face as she heard the word spinach. "... she thought that it's healthy for Hotaru. She really wanted to force her to eat it and Hotaru simply closed her mouth and didn't open it again. When that woman tried to open it with a spoon I gave her her suitcases and she was allowed to go." Now Michiru's face was very sad with a sudden. "Sometimes I can't understand why some people are so mean. Himme-chan is such a lovely girl..."
She needs a lot of love. Especially after what happened during the past eight years. I will never, ever see her crying again. Being ill and all alone.
Michiru sighed deeply and looked over to the cradle. The little girl slept now deep and tight.
"I didn't ask you what your profession is." She asked and Haruka coughed suddenly. The young woman put her coffee aside and frowned.
I am a car racer.
She shook her head slightly and automatically clenched her fists.
I used to be a car racer.
Then at tomboy grin appeared on her face.
"Is that a test? I thought I already got the job." She teased and Michiru couldn't help but blush.
"I simply want to know who's with my daughter while I on my concerts." She defended herself but couldn't explain why she was suddenly so curious.
"I finished school half a year ago and jobbed for a ticket to visit my mother's birthplace. Japan is a very nice Country, although it's very rainy." Haruka smiled as Michiru giggled. "I want to see it and to understand what my mother was like. How she grew up and to remember my childhood. I want to see something of this world before I start studying."
"Your mother is dead?" Suddenly Michiru's eyes were sad and understanding. Haruka swallowed hard and felt how her eyes burned.
Strange, I didn't cried since that day.
"Hai, she died because of an accident. But it's long ago, Kaioh-san. " Haruka took her coffee again in her hands and walked slowly over to the kitchen to search for milk.
Michiru watched her and frowned. She could feel the other one's sadness and at the same time the unbreakable proud. She knew she wouldn't get an answer if she asked more about the accident. And she knew that the other one didn't want her sympathy. Nor did she want to be comforted by her.
"Don't forget your medicine, Kaioh-san!" said Haruka and took milk into her coffee. She smiled as she entered the living-room again and a pillow missed her head and crashed into the pearls behind her. "You know what the doctor said."
"Remember Hotaru's the one you should baby-sit." She declared and tried to ignore the bitter bottle while she reached for another roll.
"I am your nursemaid now and I decide whom I should take care of." Teased Haruka and Michiru couldn't hold back a giggle.
"What have I done?" The young violinist asked the world in common and raised her head to stare at the ceiling. But no mighty god helped her.
"Now it's too late, Kaioh-san." Haruka sat down next to the cradle and watched the sleeping baby.
Strange, I only know her for twelve hours now but I like her. Very much...
"She's tiny." Whispered Haruka and stroke with her free hand over the fluffy hairs.
"Hai..." answered Michiru and ate her third roll. Now her stomach ached because she ate too much and she asked herself if she would regret her hunger during the next hours. She watched the other woman and swallowed hard.
She really looks as if she likes her.
Michiru took the bitter bottle in her hands and played for a long time with the shutter.
Can I trust her?
She thought about the other nursemaids and that she had another concert tomorrow.
Does I have another chance?
"Haruka?"
"Hai?" Dark green eyes looked up to her while the free hand now rocked the cradle.
"Call me Michiru."
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She sat behind the steering wheel for a long while after she parked the car in the huge garage.
It's a Ferrari!
Haruka leaned back and closed her eyes. Soft music filled the air and automatically she turned at the radio and the melody increased.
It's a fast car.
She smiled as she felt the hot sun again burning on her face. Again she heard the fans yelling around the race track. The wild wind played with her hairs while she winked them. Happily that she won another race. That she would become the World Champion again. For the third time in her young life. She knew that her parents where somewhere on the road. Waving at her. Laughing over her style. How she teased her opponents in the last, in the honour lap. Her mother with her long black hairs was surely waiting to take her into her soft arms. And her father would say how proud he was - and that he didn't misuse his money by buying her the fast race car.
The yelling of the fans increased and she felt again the excitement she felt every time before she got her price. Before she could show her trophy into the audience and smile a tomboy grin into the cameras of the reporters.
Oh, how can you see...
Again they would play her national hymn and again...
The yelling of the fans increased. More and more. Until it was interrupted by a desperate scream. A high scream. A death scream...
"Shit..." Haruka gasped and turned the radio off. Sweat ran down her back while she opened the door and got out of the Silver Ferrari Michiru showed her some hours ago. So that she wouldn't have to carry all those bags. The tall woman sighed deeply as she opened the boot and took all the heavy bags out. She bought the food for the weekend and she asked herself how Michiru could stay so slim when she ate so much. Or did she simply fill her fridge to threw all the spoiled food away later? Did she simply want to make sure that there's always something to eat at home when she returned from a concert?
Or does she have so hungry friends?
Haruka groaned as she handled the heavy bags. She shut the garage door by pushing on the car key and went through a door into the white house by the sea.
"You're still ill, Michiru! Don't lie to me! The doctor called me up this morning at work and he said that you had very high fever!"
Haruka frowned as she stripped her shoes and went over to the living-room to bring the bags into the kitchen. Surely Hotaru was still sleeping in her cradle. But it was at six in the evening and soon the little girl would wake up and be very hungry. The young woman didn't saw another car when she arrived. Did Michiru have any guests? Maybe one of the girls who still went to school?
"But it's a beneficial concert!" protested Michiru angry and Haruka smiled slightly.
Hai, she has a very hot temper.
"But you aren't recovered. Hell, Michiru, I can see the fever burning in your eyes! You shouldn't take part in the concert tomorrow. I don't want to see you breaking down in front of your fans."
Haruka entered the living-room, but no one seemed to notice her . Michiru walked through the living-room. Excited. Angry. But Haruka could see that her cheeks were still red from fever and that she shivered under her thick pullover and her long trousers. Hotaru slept deep and tight. The little girl was used to her mother's behaviour.
"I won't break down! I never missed a single concert in my whole life! And I never missed a single note!" Michiru stepped from one corner in the other one and waved exited with her hands in the air. But Haruka saw the she reeled slightly. That she was only minutes away from the next fever attack.
"Kaioh Michiru! When you're so stubborn to ignore you own wealth than please think of Hotaru. She needs you -healthy! She needs you here by her side and not coughing in your bed upstairs!" On the white couch sat another young woman. She was some years older, maybe 22 or 23. Her long green hairs were hold together in her neck by a black ribbon. She wore dark clothes and a handbag laid next to her on the soft underground. Determined dark eyes looked into feverish sparkling blue ones.
"I said I would play. That was two months ago, Sets. I can't simply cancel it." Declared the young violinist and stepped back in the other corner.
"Hai, you simply can't cancel it, can you? Hell, Michiru, think twice! You don't need the money and your manager..."
"The children needs the money!" snapped Michiru back and coughed.
"Then donate something to the foundation. And I told you more than once that you should take another manager. This one's too greedy for you. You want to give your music to people, he only wants to make money!" Now the green haired woman rose from her chair and went over to the trembling younger friend.
"I am just concerned about you, Michiru, don't you know?" she said and touched Michiru's left shoulder. "We're all concerned about you since that day." The young violinist only nodded.
"I know." She whispered and swallowed hard.
"Cancel the concert. If it's not for you, then do it for Hotaru. The girls write an important test and I have to work till eight tomorrow. I can't baby sit."
Michiru nodded. Then she smiled a thin but very stubborn smile.
"That's no problem. My new nursemaid just arrived from her shopping tour." She said and turned around to Haruka who still stood near the door. Unsure if she should cross the living-room and disturbing the conversation.
"Sets, may I invite, that's Tenô Haruka. Haruka, that's Meio Setsuna. She's one of my best friends."
"Hah, and worst enemies. Add it, Michiru!" said Setsuna but there was a smile on her face, too. A smile that betrayed that she liked the smaller woman very much. Not only by destiny but also by friendship. The senshi of time walked over to the new nursemaid and frowned as she shook her head.
Strange, she looks so familiar.
Setsuna blinked and had to look closer to make really sure that there was a woman standing before her. A woman, not a man.
She really looks very familiar. Although I've never met her before...
"So, there's no chance of changing your mind?" Setsuna automatically took one of the bags in her arms and groaned over the weight. She carried it into the kitchen and helped Haruka to fill the fridge.
"Did you invite Usagi for dinner?" she asked and the two young women giggled. At that moment Hotaru awoke and started desperately to scream. Setsuna winced while Michiru made a face as if her head was going to explode the next moment.
Haruka closed the fridge and went over to the living-room. She kneeled beside the cradle and took the baby carefully in her arms. The little senshi calmed down and looked at her with her big dark eyes. Then she started to laugh. It was the most beautiful laugh Setsuna had ever heard.
The senshi of time watched the young woman for some seconds how she rocked the baby tenderly. Then she sighed and shook her head.
"Okay, Michiru. You convinced me. Himme-chan's safe here." Again she squeezed the small shoulder and looked concerned into feverish shimmering blue eyes. "But call me up when you come home. It's alike how late it is, Michiru. I just want to make sure that you're at home - healthy. We all need you." Whispered Setsuna and sighed deeply.
"As a friend."
Not only as the senshi of the wide ocean.
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"This year's World Championship started with the great victory of David Stephenson. He drove a really good race. But he couldn't reach the best time of former year's Champion." Said the reporter on TV. Several race cars were shown and a happy laughing young man. Splashed over and over with champagne. Holding a golden trophy high over his head. Smiling into several cameras.
"It's really a pity. Although David gave his best, the Formula One will never be the same again. Not without it's best, it's fastest, it's most talented car racer, who..."
Haruka took the remote control in her suddenly trembling hands and changed the canal.
"Now Mister Miller, one of the riches business men of America, searches in Japan for his..."
"Fuck you all..." whispered the young woman and changed the canal again. Now several super heroes jumped over the screen and shouted strange spells. Some bad guys cried but they had no change. Then they all started to sing a silly, glorious sounding song.
Better than news!
Haruka sighed and lowered her head. Hotaru laid in her arms and slept deep and tight. The empty bottle still stood on the small table but Haruka simply couldn't stand up and lay the baby in her cradle to tidy up the kitchen. Michiru left shortly after dinner in a hurry.
She only ate one roll with cheese. Hope she isn't hungry on stage.
The young woman started to hum a sweet melody she used to hear whenever she had to sleep as a small child and rocked the baby gently in her arms.
I am lucky that I got this job.
She got an own room downstairs with her own bathroom. Michiru gave her not only a cheque card but also the keys for the expensive looking Ferrari. Tonight the young violinist took a taxi. She didn't want to search for a parking space and she already had a big collection of tickets. And Haruka got a lot of freedom. Michiru didn't control if she tidied up the kitchen or the living-room. Or the other rooms in the huge house. Haruka got one day free each week if she wanted to. Michiru simply couldn't guarantee her the date. One week it could be Monday, the next one Wednesday. Michiru controlled less, but she looked closer whenever Haruka hold her daughter tight. Whenever the taller woman fed the small girl. Whenever she changed the nappies and Michiru saw it. Normally Michiru would have done it all if she would have had the time. If she would have been recovered.
I didn't like her going like this to that concert.
Silently Haruka agreed Setsuna. The young violinist looked still too ill to do a proper concert. But if the working woman couldn't change her friend's mind how should Haruka do it? She wasn't even a friend. She was simply a nursemaid for her adopted daughter.
Am I?
Haruka swallowed hard and winced as the door was pushed open. But there was no Michiru returning from her concert. It would have been too early. Instead of the see green haired young woman appeared a young man and a girl, maybe his girlfriend, in the door's frame.
"Oh, Mamo-chan, look! Power rangers!" exclaimed the girl and sat down at the armchair to watch TV. Her long blonde hairs were tight up in two plaids which jumped over her back as she walked through the room. She wore a school uniform and laughed happily as another hero danced over the screen.
"Usako! We didn't come to watch TV!" The young man rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his short dark hairs. Then he watched Haruka in silence who frowned. Carefully she took Hotaru tighter in her strong arms and made herself ready to ran away. To bring the little girl in security. And then to beat them down - if they were really burglars.
I don't think that she's a burglar.
Haruka frowned again as she observed the young girl laughing again over another hero. This one was blue. The other one had been red.
Or they're very, very stupid burglars.
"Hi, I am Chiba Mamoru. And this..." he pointed over the still laughing girl. "... is Tusking Usagi, she's my girlfriend." Invited the young man and bowed before her. "We're good friends of Michiru." He leaned forward and stroke carefully over Hotaru's tiny head. The baby yawned but didn't open her eyes. "And she's our niece, aren't you, small Hotaru?"
The ending sequence was over and the girl, named Usagi, turned around from the screen. She blinked and it took her some moments to recognize that there was a person she didn't notice before.
"Gomen..." she said as her boyfriend looked at her and took a deep sigh. "I just didn't know that episode and that was so funny..." she laughed again and shook Haruka's free hand.
"I am Tusking Usagi. And who are you?" openly she smiled at Haruka and the young woman was suddenly sure that she meant it honestly. That this girl wasn't able to lie. The bad way. When she lied she tried to defend her friends or tried to hinder that the truth could hurt them. "Hope we'll be good friends. Because I like people who are my friends. And you look like a person I want to like." Told her Usagi and her blonde hairs flew over her shoulders as she laughed again. A happy, innocent laugh.
"Better, I'll make us a cup of tea while you're talking." Mamoru giggled as his girlfriend watched him with warning looks.
"Oh, wait. I can make that for you." Haruka tried to get on her feet but the young man shook his head.
"No, Hotaru-chan sleeps so peaceful in your arms. I know where every thing is. Arigato..."
"Tenô Haruka." Invited Haruka herself and used the chance while Usagi was silent. But it was only a chance. A chance of two seconds.
"Haruka. That's a nice name. It means scent of spring , doesn't it?" blabbered Usagi with her big blue eyes and looked loving at the small girls in Haruka's arms. "My name is Usagi. That means Bunny on the moon . What a hateful name. But my mother liked it and..."
Mamoru only shrugged helpless his shoulders as he looked into asking green eyes. Then he turned around and soon Haruka could hear him in the kitchen.
"She's such a lovely baby. Michiru told us on the phone yesterday that she had to fire that old crone. I am really relieved, she didn't look like a perfect nursemaid to me. She wasn't nice and friendly to Hotaru-chan. She didn't like her. And a nursemaid should like the kids she cares for." Declared Usagi excited. Then she was suddenly very silent. She leaned back and observed Haruka from top to the toes and the young woman couldn't help but blushed.
"Nani?" she asked as the girl didn't say a word for another while. An incredible long while after she spoke so much.
"You are Michiru's new nursemaid. Aren't you a little bit too young?" Big blue eyes told Haruka that the girl didn't want to hurt her. That she simply was curious. And concerned about her niece.
Niece? I thought there were friends of Michiru. Friends, not relatives.
"Well, I am nineteen now and I..."
"Nineteen? Then you're able to drive a car, to go to thrillers in the cinema and to go out without the permission of your parents! Oh, I envy you!"
Haruka sighed oppressed as she saw into a happy smiling face.
I learned driving a race car when I was twelve. I hate thrillers. And if I'd ask my parents for permission, he wouldn't listen. He wouldn't even notice that I am here...
But she didn't tell Usagi because she didn't want to destroy that beautiful smile.
Strange, she remembers me of my mother...
"Well, I have to admit that I am not a crone and that I never had a child to take care for. I am not a perfect Mary Poppins, but I'll give my..."
"Who's Mary Poppins?" Usagi leaned forward in her armchair and frowned concentrated.
"You don't know Mary Poppins? She the most known nursemaid from a film by Walt Disney. I used to watch it when I was a small child." Explained Haruka and automatically rocked Hotaru in her arms gently. "She is intelligent, can cook, knows how to talk to small children, how to make the whole family happy. And she has an umbrella."
"Well, I can't cook." Admitted Usagi and thanked her boyfriend as he gave her one cup. He put Haruka's one on the table and sat down in another armchair.
"Mamo-chan?" Usagi took a lot of sugar in his tea but her boyfriend was friendly enough to ignore it. "Do you know a Mary Poppins?"
"The nursemaid with the huge umbrella? She's able to fly with it." Answered the young man and giggle as his girlfriend first blushed and then made an angry sound.
"Oh! Everyone knows her but me!" Suddenly tears shimmered in her blue eyes. "I am so silly."
"No, you aren't, honey." Mamoru was at the next moment at his girlfriend's side and comforted her. "You are beautiful and I love you." He declared and gave her a short kiss. After that Usagi smiled and decided not to cry.
Love...
Haruka lowered her head and stroke over Hotaru's cheeks. The little baby yawned and her dark eyes looked dreamy up into sad green ones. Then she yawned again and settled back into sleep.
I'll never experience it...
At that moment Usagi made herself comfortable in the big armchair. She hold her cup in her hands and looked at Haruka over it's rim. Then she started to talk. She talked almost the whole evening, only Mamoru interrupted her time by time to correct or to help her and soon Haruka knew a lot about her friends. About a young priest, an always arguing but nice Rei. About an always reading and studying Ami. About Makoto who loved it to cook delicious cakes. About Minako who laughed a lot and liked to organise big parties. About Setsuna who worked in a library. And about Chibiusa who seemed to be Usagi's smaller sister and who could be a real devil.
Strange, seems as if she doesn't want to speak about Michiru.
Haruka kept silent and listened to her, only talked when she was asked and rocked the baby in her arms gently. Of course she was curious what the blonde girl would say about the young violinist, but she didn't dare to ask her aloud.
So they spend a nice evening. Talking, laughing. Drinking their tea. Thinking.
"You are my friend, aren't you, Haruka?" asked Usagi suddenly and the young woman looked up. Startled. Surprised. Then she smiled and nodded.
Strange, when did I have friends?
Haruka smile froze. She couldn't remember.
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"What do you think about her?" Mamoru sat down behind the steering wheel of his car and watched how his girlfriend worked with the seat belt. Usagi raised her head and there was a very serious expression in her blue eyes.
"I am not sure. I can't define it but there's something around her. I can feel it." The future Queen of Crystal Tokyo frowned and sighed deeply. "Whatever, she likes Hotaru. She won't hurt her nor will she hurt Michiru."
"But she can't cook." Mamoru shivered as he thought of the chaos that covered the whole kitchen. He looked again at the closed front door and started the engine.
"I can't cook, too." Answered Usagi and followed his look. She leaned her head against the seat and yawned oppressed. "I can't tell you why, but I simply know that we can trust her."
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She looked the taxi driving away. It was raining again. Or didn't it stop at all? She didn't know. She didn't take any attention.
Hell, I am so cold!
Michiru shivered and it took her several tries until she was able to open the front door. Carefully she put the violin case on the marble ground that was covered with a thick, soft blanket. Her car keys escaped her trembling fingers with a jingle as she stripped her shoes. But she didn't bow to pick them up. The whole world spun around her and she feared that she could fall by doing so. Silently she stumbled over to the staircase. Hard she grabbed the handrail while she walked upstairs. Step by step. Very slowly and very carefully. Her whole body hurt and her skin was sweaty under the narrow evening she was still wearing. Her hairs escaped her ribbon and fell now over her shoulders. Her make up was wet and all she wanted to do was to go to bed. To lay down and to forget about the dwarfs who were still working in her head.
Night shifts...
She laughed a shaky laughter and opened quietly the door to her daughter's room. She frowned as she saw that there was still a small light burning. Hotaru had never been afraid of the dark and normally she slept the whole night if she didn't get hungry. This time the small girl was sleeping, too. She laid in her bed on her back. Her small body was covered with a soft blanket and she held her favourite toy in her tiny arms.
"Himme-chan..." whispered Michiru and her eyes grew wide as she saw the shadow laying in front of the child's bed. Haruka wore only her dark shirt and Michiru decided quietly that they needed to go shopping. To buy her some clothes. The taller woman slept, too. A warm blanket laid under her body and another one on it. Her head laid on a soft pillow that normally belonged to the white living-room couch.
Strange, I gave her an own room. Why is she sleeping here? The ground is surely very hard.
Michiru stepped closer and yawned oppressed. Her whole body trembled and she knew that it was high time for her to go to bed.
Maybe she was so concerned about Himme-chan, because I've been to the concert.
The young violinist sighed deeply and seized hard on the wall next to her as she whole world started to spun around herself. She coughed and tears sparkled suddenly in her burning eyes. Her hands were ice cold as she raised them to wipe away the tears.
I am so damned cold!
At that moment Haruka raised her head. Two green eyes looked sleepy up at her. Her cheeks were red from sleep and her hair stood messy in all directions from her head.
"Michiru?" she asked quietly and yawned. Haruka blinked and rubbed her eyes. Then she came to her feet and walked over to the young violinist.
"Everything okay?" she asked but could see that the smaller young woman almost broke down as she nodded.
"I am fine. I simply have to go to bed and..." Michiru coughed and more tears run down her cheeks. She frowned and groaned oppressed. She wasn't even ashamed of her weakness.
"Did you take your medicine?" Haruka touched the other one's forehead. It glowed.
"Hai, but irregularly and there had been so much stress. The conductor wasn't satisfied with us and so we did the whole rehearsals three times and..." Michiru coughed again and felt how Haruka took her again in her strong arms and carried her over to her room. She blinked as the light was switched on and watched how Haruka sat her down on the soft chair of her bathroom and turned on the water. Soon the tube was filled with warm, steaming water.
"Guess you should hear of your doctor and don't do any concerts until you aren't really recovered." She said and controlled the temperature. Then she did something into the water. It smelt of herbs. Healing herbs.
"Your friends are very concerned about you. You should hear of them, too." Slowly she helped Michiru to stand up and carefully stripped her long blue evening dress. It was wet. Not only because of the rain.
Hell, she trembles like leaves in the autumn wind! Her manager must be a real devil that he doesn't see how ill she is!
Michiru coughed again and reeled. She went on her knees but Haruka was by her side to hold her. Carefully she helped her out of her underwear. Then she took her determined into her strong arms and carried her over to the big tube that looked more like a whirl pool than a normal tube.
"Where they here?" asked Michiru weak and froze as she felt the water around her body. Then she relaxed and the warm surrounded her freezing body like a soft blanket. Like a loving embracement...
"Hai, Mamoru and Usagi where here. And Rei, Makoto and Minako called me up one hour ago. And Ami..." Haruka yawned and looked for a soft towel. "And Ami apologised the whole time for disturbing me. Setsuna will look after you tomorrow before she goes to work." Haruka leaned forward and laid the towel next to the tube. Then she kneeled before it and stroke long blue hairs over Michiru's shoulder.
"Arigato, Haruka." Whispered Michiru and closed her eyes to enjoy the heat. Suddenly she felt soft hands stroking over her naked back. She smelt soap and knew that Haruka washed away her sweat. Surprised she raised her head and closed her eyes again as the roundabout increased it's speed.
"You don't have to do that. You aren't paid for..."
"Hush..." answered Haruka and smiled sadly down at the smaller young woman.
If I wasn't around who would do it?
"You know I am always to your service. You just have to call and I'd do anything for you. Well, at least I don't have too cook kangaroo or wolf for dinner." Teased Haruka and could feel Michiru's fever. The young violinist giggled, but it sounded very weak. And a little bit desperate.
Shall I call the doctor?
Haruka wasn't sure. In any case Michiru would get the thermometer and she would decide after checking the temperature.
"Haruka?" Michiru's voice was again very silent. The young woman had her eyes still closed and faced the surface of the now green water. The water shivered as she automatically wrapped her arms around her chest. As if she was still very cold. Although the water was very hot.
"Hai?"
"Please... can you keep an eye on me, too, this night?" she asked and suddenly more tears were running down her pale cheeks.
Hell, I am dying.
She felt so weak, so tired. But she knew that there was no chance of sleep. Not while her body was freezing and her head aching.
"Only for one promise."
"What is it? An extra day off? Another..."
"You little baka! Do you think I would leave you with your illness alone?" whispered Haruka and stroke again over the back although the smaller young woman was already clean. "Just promise me that you won't take part in another concert until you are really recovered."
Michiru coughed, then she nodded. "Okay." Haruka helped her when she tried to get out of the tube. She dried her with a soft towel and helped her into her warm pyjama. She carried her over to bed and covered her still shaking body with her blankets. Michiru mentioned that she changed the covers while the taller woman helped her to take her medicine. Slightly the young violinist fell into a dreamless sleep. Each time she awoke Haruka was there. As she promised she stayed the whole night right by her side.
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"Where's Kaioh-san?" The young man looked critically at the other one who had opened the door.
"She's upstairs in her bed, where she belongs. And who are you?" Haruka stepped before the young man as he wanted to run towards the staircase. He didn't look like Michiru's other friends. He didn't even look like a friend at all.
"I am her manager and I have a very important meeting for her..."
You devil!
Haruka clenched her fists and didn't let him cross the entrance hall. She remembered to well how the fever rose during the whole night. How she tried to calm it down with cold, wet towels. How she gave Michiru her medicine the way the doctor had ordered. How she helped her to drink each time the young woman awoke. How she almost became insane as the fever didn't lower the whole night. It even seemed to increase. So she called the doctor at dawn. With another medicine and another injection he was able to lower it. And he told her that Michiru should stay at bed for the next days - with all circumstances. If she didn't obey he had to take her into hospital. Her cold was now a dangerous flu and she shouldn't waste her health in such a silly way. Haruka thanked him and sat down at the chair again. Early in the morning she changed Hotaru's nappies, fed the girl and laid her back into her child's bed. Now the little baby slept deep and tight and time by time Haruka rose from her chair to look after her. Setsuna looked after her friend at seven o'clock. She didn't seem to be very happy to see the young violinist like that. But she had to got to work and so she left with the promise to come as early as she could. The rest of the time Haruka spend next to the bed of the ill Michiru and watched her sleeping. Breathing hard. Fighting against the pain that now controlled her body.
"There won't be any meetings the next weeks! Nor interviews! Nor concerts!" Haruka declared with an icy voice and grabbed his arm as he wanted to push her aside.
"But this meeting is very important!" he snapped and looked busy in her angry face. Her dark green eyes sparkled and she grabbed his arm tighter.
"Her health is also very important." She growled. Then she let go off him and pushed him away into the door's direction. "And now go! She's ill and there's no reason for you staying any longer."
The manager narrowed his eyes and looked at her with a wicked grin on his face.
"And who are you, guy? Her new lover? Hell, I always told her that she has no time for sex! I declared her that she's crazy when she wanted to take care for that child that wasn't even her own one! She has a lot of stress to be the best violinist in Japan and now she threw that great chance away! She doesn't need a lover nor does she need a child. She needs..."
"She needs peace and time to recover." Haruka stepped closer to the manager and raised her clenched fists. "And I am sure that she's the best violinist without sacrificing herself!"
No one should sacrifice oneself for another one. Or for a dream that becomes unimportant when it's finally reached...
"I don't believe you, guy! Surely you're lying and..."
"Okay, that's enough!" Haruka grabbed his arm again and pushed him towards the still opened door. He tried to defend himself but she was simply stronger than him. "Michiru needs time and I give you a good advice: Don't you ever dare to come to this house or to her near again!" Haruka leaned forward so that their noses almost met. The manager was suddenly very pale. "And don't you ever dare to talk about Hotaru again in such an inrespectful way!" She pushed him over the threshold and let him go. He stumbled some steps downstairs and looked terrified in her wild shinning eyes.
He looks like an angel of revenge...
"And what will you do, you little ass? She's my greatest star and she needs a manager. Will you send me some of your low paid lawyers?"
Haruka took a deep breathe but the picture of a hard breathing Michiru simply couldn't escape her mind. The picture of frightened eyes looking up at her when the doctor showed the injection. The picture of the young woman almost falling down on the ground just because she wanted to go to the toilette but was simply too weak to.
"Then I'll kill you!" Haruka whispered and grabbed hard for the door knob. "And always remember: You needed her. She doesn't need you." With those words she slammed the door and leaned herself against the wood. She heard how the motor of a sport car started and it drove away.
Me and my temper!
Haruka sighed deeply. But she was sure that he would never come again. Deeply she sighed again and walked over to the kitchen. To tidy up the chaos from yesterday and to search for something for breakfast that wouldn't burn by just watching it.
She didn't notice the young woman standing at the top of the staircase. Michiru seized hard on the handrail and still the whole world was spinning around her shaking body. Feverish shinning eyes looked surprised at the tomboy walking over to the kitchen.
I didn't know that she can be so angry. So determined.
Still she looked surprised down to the now empty entrance hall. Surprised and thoughtful.
So protecting...
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